REVIEW · MALTA
Gozo and Blue Lagoon Private Boat Trips in Comino
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Comino by boat feels like a secret. This private boat charter lets you reach the Blue Lagoon on your own terms, without the day-trip shuffle. You also get a skipper who shares quick context about the island as you go, which makes the scenery feel more meaningful than just postcard views.
I love the flexibility here: if your group wants more swim time or prefers cave cruising, your route can lean that way. The standout for me is that you’re not stuck “waiting your turn”—your boat is yours for the whole stretch.
A key consideration: you’ll pay a Euro 79 fuel fee on board, and Comino boat time is weather-dependent, so rougher seas can make the ride feel more intense than a smooth harbor cruise.
In This Review
- Key things that make this Comino charter special
- Why a Private Comino Boat Charter Works So Well
- Meeting at Ċirkewwa or Mgarr Port: Getting to Your Boat
- Route Highlights: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves
- Blue Lagoon: where the day’s water time happens
- Crystal Lagoon: a second taste of bright water
- Santa Maria Caves: close-up cruising, even for cliff-jump fans
- Quick reality check about cave time
- SUP, Snorkel Gear, and Time in the Water
- A practical tip: bring your own drinks
- Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay Stops
- Price, Fuel Fee, and What You’re Really Paying For
- Weather, Sea Conditions, and Comfort on a Small Boat
- Who This Private Trip Suits Best
- How to Choose Your Timing on Comino
- Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Private Boat Trip?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the private boat trip?
- Where do we meet for the boat?
- Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?
- What’s included with the charter?
- What is not included?
- Which places on Comino are included?
- Do we need good weather?
- Is there free cancellation?
- Is there a mobile ticket?
- Are service animals allowed?
Key things that make this Comino charter special

- Private timetable: your group controls the pace during the ~2-hour outing
- Boat to yourself: less crowd pressure at the most famous stops
- Hands-on water time: SUP plus snorkel masks included
- Santa Maria Caves by boat: small-boat access that works well for close-up passes
- Skipper-led safety: the guides focus on safe handling even when conditions get choppy
- Smart extra touch: bottled water is provided, and you can bring your own drinks if you want
Why a Private Comino Boat Charter Works So Well
The biggest reason I like this type of Comino trip is simple: you’re paying for control. When it’s private, you aren’t lining up behind other boats or stuck with someone else’s idea of what you should do. You sail, stop, and move based on what your group wants in that moment.
The second reason is the personal feel. You start with a quick briefing from the captain on safety and the basics of Comino, then the skipper keeps an eye on comfort as conditions change. That matters on a short itinerary—there’s no room to waste time, so good guidance helps you get the moments you came for.
Finally, it’s not just about famous water. The route includes caves and specific bays, so you’re not only chasing one photo spot. If your crew wants a mix of swimming, snorkel time, and sightseeing angles from the water, the private setup makes that easier.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Malta
Meeting at Ċirkewwa or Mgarr Port: Getting to Your Boat

You’ll meet at Ċirkewwa (Mellieħa), Malta or at Imgarr Port, Gozo. Which one applies to your booking depends on how the charter is arranged, but the important part is that your trip starts and ends at the same meeting point.
Since it’s near public transportation, you don’t need to stress about a complicated car plan just to reach the dock. Also, you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is helpful if you’re traveling light and moving between islands.
Route Highlights: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves

This is a classic Comino mix: lagoon swimming plus a few “from the water” landmarks that you just can’t get the same way from shore.
Blue Lagoon: where the day’s water time happens
You go first to the Blue Lagoon, and the boat anchors close enough for easy access. This is your main window to swim, snorkel, or just float and enjoy the turquoise water from a comfortable spot on the boat. If you’re the kind of person who wants to spend more time in the water and less time moving around, this stop does the job.
You’ll have snorkel masks available, and the boat setup includes comfortable seating and shaded areas—small details, but they help you keep a good rhythm during a short outing.
Crystal Lagoon: a second taste of bright water
Next comes Crystal Lagoon. You won’t be stuck doing the same thing twice in a row, because this stop is about changing the “view angle” and finding your preferred spot to swim or snorkel again. Even with no extra fanfare, it’s valuable because it gives you a second chance for calmer, clear water moments—especially if the first stop isn’t perfect for your group.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Malta
Santa Maria Caves: close-up cruising, even for cliff-jump fans
Then you’ll head toward the Santa Maria Caves. This part is often the reason people pick a charter instead of a basic day tour, since the caves are experienced from inside the movement of the small boat. One family-style highlight here is that the boat can pass through the cave area effectively even though it’s not a huge vessel—perfect for “we’re right there” moments.
There’s also time for fun if your group wants it. One booking included swimming and cliff jumping, and the key point is that the skipper handled the conditions safely while still making the experience feel adventurous.
Quick reality check about cave time
Cave time can feel more active than lagoon time. If the sea is rough, you may notice more motion while cruising near the rock faces. The good news: a careful skipper is exactly what you want here, and you should take comfort in the fact that safety is part of the briefing and the way the boat is driven.
SUP, Snorkel Gear, and Time in the Water
What you get included makes a real difference for value, because you’re not renting or shopping for essentials once you’re already at the dock.
You’ll have:
- Snorkel masks and snorkeling gear included
- SUP (standing up paddle board) included
- Bottled water included
This combo is great because it lets your group split their time. If one person wants to snorkel and explore, another can do SUP laps while everyone else relaxes. It’s also handy for mixed-age groups, since not everyone has to be in the water at the same time to enjoy the stop.
A practical tip: bring your own drinks
The charter provides bottled water, which covers the basics. If you’re thinking you’ll want something extra—soft drinks, juices, or a favorite snack-to-sip rhythm—bring it with you. One booking specifically called out bringing your own drinks, and honestly, it’s the easiest upgrade to your comfort during a two-hour splash session.
Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay Stops
After the lagoon and cave time, the route continues with a couple of “see it from the water” stops: Comino Tower and St. Nicholas Bay.
For Comino Tower, the main value is perspective. Seeing a landmark like this from the sea gives you context for where it sits and how it relates to the coast. It’s the kind of stop where you don’t need a long explanation—you just get a better sense of the shape of Comino and the way the island is built around the water.
St. Nicholas Bay rounds out the itinerary. It’s a scenic finish that gives you more coastal views before heading back. Even if your group is tired from swimming and SUP, these later stops help prevent the trip from feeling like a sprint to one hotspot only.
Price, Fuel Fee, and What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $196 for the private experience, with an additional Euro 79 fuel fee paid on board. That fuel charge is the big thing to watch, because it changes your total cost compared with what you might assume from the base price alone.
So is it good value? For the right group, yes—because you’re buying:
- a private boat rather than sharing time with other groups
- a shorter, focused route built around top Comino stops
- included snorkeling gear and SUP
- skipper-led safety and guidance
If you’re traveling as a small group (especially a family), the “per person” math often becomes reasonable when you compare the experience to piecing together rentals, shared boat seating, and the frustration of waiting around. The private timetable is where it pays off most. You get to avoid the slow drag of crowd movement and instead spend your limited time in the water.
Weather, Sea Conditions, and Comfort on a Small Boat
This charter needs good weather, which is stated clearly in the experience conditions. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund—so you’re not stuck with an unusable plan.
Still, “good weather” doesn’t always mean “smooth water.” One booking mentioned that the sea was rough, but the guide was very safe, and the group still had a wonderful time. That’s the key mindset: you’re on open water on a small boat, so some movement is normal. What matters is how the skipper handles it, and how quickly they adjust the ride.
The boat also includes practical comfort touches like shaded areas and comfortable seating, which help you recharge between swim moments. Think of it like this: you’ll feel the sea if it’s choppy, but you won’t be exposed and miserable the whole time.
Who This Private Trip Suits Best
This charter fits best when you want a high-touch experience with minimal hassle.
It’s a strong match if you:
- want private Comino time instead of a crowded boat scene
- have kids who need a friendly, patient guide (Aimee was mentioned as helpful with kids and knowledgeable)
- care about snorkeling time and want gear ready to use
- want to do more than just swim—caves and tower views are part of the plan
- prefer a short outing (~2 hours) that still hits major highlights
If your group hates tight schedules, this might feel short. But if you want a focused “best of Comino” hit in a couple of hours, the private format helps you make every minute count.
How to Choose Your Timing on Comino
The booking includes flexible timing, which is a real advantage because Comino day conditions can vary. If you can be flexible with your arrival window, you can often choose a time when you feel comfortable in the water and when the sea conditions look manageable.
Also, since the trip is about 2 hours, try to avoid booking it when you’ll be rushed from ferry times or tight sightseeing connections. The charter starts at the dock, so being unhurried at the meeting point makes the whole experience calmer.
Should You Book This Gozo and Comino Private Boat Trip?
If you’re deciding between a quick shared tour and a private charter, I’d lean this way when your priority is control. A private boat is the difference between watching the day happen and actually directing it. With snorkel masks, SUP, and targeted stops like Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Caves, you’re not paying just for the view—you’re paying for a smooth flow of activities that fits your group.
Skip it if:
- you’re trying to keep costs extremely tight once the fuel fee is added
- you want a long day on the water (this is about 2 hours)
- you’re traveling on a schedule that can’t handle a weather change
For most people who want Comino highlights without chaos, this is a very sensible way to spend a short stretch of time on the water.
FAQ
What is the duration of the private boat trip?
It lasts about 2 hours.
Where do we meet for the boat?
You can start from Ċirkewwa in Malta or from Imgarr Port in Gozo. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?
This is private, so only your group participates.
What’s included with the charter?
The price includes SUP, snorkel masks, and bottled water.
What is not included?
A Euro 79 fuel fee is paid on board.
Which places on Comino are included?
The route includes the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Caves, Comino Tower, and St. Nicholas Bay.
Do we need good weather?
Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there a mobile ticket?
Yes, it’s a mobile ticket.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are allowed.






























